Herrington Manor State Park | Hagerstown

Herrington Manor State Park is a 365-acre recreational area located in Garrett County, Maryland, approximately four miles north of the town of Oakland. Nestled within the expansive Garrett State Forest, the park offers a serene natural setting centered around Herrington Lake, a 53-acre man-made lake created during the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a variety of year-round activities including hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, camping, and winter sports.

Natural Setting and History

Herrington Manor State Park sits amidst the rolling hills and dense mixed hardwood and pine forests of Western Maryland. The lake was formed by damming Herrington Creek, providing a tranquil centerpiece for the park’s diverse recreational options. The CCC’s work during the Great Depression laid much of the park’s early infrastructure, including the dam, cabins, picnic areas, and forest roads, many of which remain in use today. This historical legacy adds a cultural dimension to the park, showcasing early 20th-century conservation and public works efforts.

Herrington Lake and Water Activities

Herrington Lake is the heart of the park, offering a peaceful and scenic environment for water-based recreation.

Boating: The lake supports non-gas-powered boating activities. Canoe and kayak rentals are available seasonally, primarily from Memorial Day through Labor Day, allowing visitors to explore the calm waters surrounded by forested shorelines. Electric boats can be rented from mid-April through mid-October, and a public boat ramp facilitates launching private watercraft, although gas-powered engines are prohibited to preserve water quality and reduce noise pollution.

Fishing: Herrington Lake is regularly stocked with a variety of fish species including largemouth and smallmouth bass, catfish, panfish, and trout. Anglers can fish from the shoreline, a designated fishing pier, or from rented boats. A valid Maryland fishing license is required. The lake’s healthy fish population attracts both casual and serious fishermen seeking a peaceful fishing experience in a natural setting.

Swimming: The park features a supervised swimming beach with lifeguards during the summer season (Memorial Day to Labor Day), typically operating from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The sandy beach provides a safe and family-friendly area for swimming and sunbathing, with nearby facilities including restrooms and picnic shelters.

Hiking and Trail System

Herrington Manor State Park boasts approximately 12 miles of trails, designed for hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The trails traverse a mix of mature hardwood forests, pine plantations, and open fields, offering diverse terrain and varying difficulty levels.

Yellow Trail (1 mile): An easy path leading from the cabin area to a pine plantation, suitable for casual walkers and beginners.

Green Trail (1.7 miles): A novice-level trail through a combination of hardwoods and open fields, favored by mountain bikers and cross-country skiers during winter months.

Red Trail (1.6 miles): An intermediate loop passing through hardwood forests and pine stands, with some gentle elevation changes.

Blue Trail (2.4 miles): A moderate loop that explores the forest interior, featuring scenic vistas and occasional wildlife sightings.

Snaggy Mountain Trail (10 miles): The park’s longest and most challenging trail, this circuit weaves through mature forests and offers gently rolling terrain. It is popular for snowmobiling in winter, mountain biking, and extended hiking excursions. The trail provides a comprehensive experience of the park’s ecological diversity and natural beauty.

During winter, many of these trails are groomed for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, attracting visitors who enjoy active outdoor recreation in a quiet, snowy landscape.

Camping and Cabins

Herrington Manor State Park features 20 rustic but comfortable cabins that are available year-round. These cabins are equipped with modern amenities including electricity, private bathrooms with hot showers, kitchens, and wood-burning fireplaces, offering a cozy retreat amidst nature. Some cabins allow pets (with an additional fee), and reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons. The cabins require a two-night minimum stay on non-holiday weekends and a three-night minimum during holidays. A major paving and renovation project scheduled for 2026 will temporarily close the cabins.

Additionally, the park offers traditional campsites with picnic tables and fire rings, accommodating tents and small campers, though the emphasis is on cabin rentals.

Winter Sports and Activities

Herrington Manor transforms into a winter sports destination, benefiting from Garrett County’s colder climate and consistent snowfall.

Cross-Country Skiing: Groomed trails totaling around 10 miles cater to cross-country skiing enthusiasts. Rentals for skis and snowshoes are available on-site, making the sport accessible for beginners and experienced skiers alike.

Snowshoeing: The extensive trail system supports snowshoeing, allowing visitors to explore the winter landscape’s tranquility.

Fat Tire Biking: Fat tire bike rentals provide an alternative way to traverse snow-covered trails, and the park encourages this activity year-round with rental hours typically from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Snowmobiling: Permitted on designated trails such as the Snaggy Mountain Trail, snowmobiling adds a dynamic winter recreation option for thrill-seekers.

Visitor Facilities and Programs

The park includes picnic areas, playgrounds, and restrooms to enhance visitor comfort. The swimming beach area and boat rental facilities provide seasonal services to support aquatic activities.

Throughout the summer, Herrington Manor hosts interpretive programs and community events such as apple butter boiling demonstrations and maple syrup making. These activities connect visitors with regional history and traditional crafts, enriching the cultural experience of the park.

Access and Operational Information

Herrington Manor State Park is open year-round. Typical hours are from 8 a.m. to sunset during March through October, and from 10 a.m. to sunset in the winter months (November through February). The park charges an entrance fee of $3 per vehicle per day during the busy summer season (Memorial Day through Labor Day) and $2 per vehicle during other times, with an additional fee for out-of-state visitors.

The park is accessible via Herrington Lane off of US Route 219, with adequate parking and signage guiding visitors to the lake, cabins, and trailheads.

Summary

Herrington Manor State Park is a versatile outdoor destination that combines natural beauty, rich history, and a broad range of recreational activities in Western Maryland. Whether visitors come to hike forest trails, fish or boat on the calm waters of Herrington Lake, swim at the sandy beach, or enjoy winter sports like cross-country skiing, the park offers a welcoming and well-maintained environment. Its rustic cabins provide comfortable lodging amid pristine nature, while its interpretive programs foster a connection to the local heritage. Overall, Herrington Manor State Park exemplifies the region’s commitment to preserving natural landscapes while providing year-round opportunities for outdoor adventure and relaxation.